WORCESTER — A Spencer man caught trying to steal shrimp was identified by police after he dropped a pill bottle with his name on it during a brawl with supermarket employees, according to authorities.

John Pinard, 37, of 35 Chestnut St., Spencer, was arrested at a house on Pearl Street in Spencer. He fled to his hometown after trying to steal $300 worth of shrimp at Price Chopper on Park Avenue, police said. He is accused of assaulting the manager with a shopping cart and threatening to stab the manager and another store employee with a hypodermic needle while they were trying to restrain him.

Worcester police were called to the Price Chopper about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The manager told officers he was in the back of the seafood section when he noticed a man, later identified as Mr. Pinard, loading up his own bags with shrimp. The manager allegedly saw Mr. Pinard head for the store exit without paying for the shrimp. The manager tried to stop Mr. Pinard, but Mr. Pinard slammed a shopping cart into the manager several times, police said.

The manager and another employee struggled with Mr. Pinard. During the struggle, they all fell to the ground. At that point Mr. Pinard threatened the men that he would stab them with a hypodermic needle if they didn't let him go.

Mr. Pinard then fled, but left the pill bottle with his name on it.

Police also found several hypodermic needles on the ground where the men were fighting. The shrimp was left behind.

A witness told police that Mr. Pinard left in a gold Ford Explorer, heading north on Park Avenue.

Using the name on the pill bottle, police learned that there were two outstanding arrest warrants for Mr. Pinard for larceny from a person. Spencer police assisted in locating Mr. Pinard. He was arrested by state police officers.

He was later identified by Price Chopper employees.

Mr. Pinard is charged with assault with a hypodermic needle, armed robbery, larceny of property valued at more than $250 and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (shopping cart).

Judge Paul L. McGill set bail at $5,000 and continued the case to July 10.

Contact George Barnes at george.barnes@telegram.com. Follow him on Twitter @georgebarnesTG